LL Pelling in Cedar Rapids moves to bigger, more efficient facility

Asphalt paving company LL Pelling has moved its Cedar Rapids plant into a larger, more energy-efficient facility.

The company has operated its plant on about six acres at 3750 J. St. SW since 1972.  Its new multimillion-dollar operation on 35 acres at the corner of Edgewood Road and 60th Ave. SW gives LL Pelling considerably more space to store materials and make asphalt,  president Chuck Finnegan said.

"The biggest thing is it gives us room to stockpile," he said. "We're also close by to natural resources" such as a quarry, he added.

The proximity to suppliers will allow the company to save on transportation costs, Finnegan said.

The project also included several million dollars worth of new, upgraded equipment, which produces asphalt at cooler temperatures and is more energy efficient. The facility will produce a lower emissions output and increase its asphalt and shingles recycling capability.

"There's less fumes, which is better for the environment and better for our people," Finnegan said.

The company will take down the plant at its old location but will continue to operate its painting division and store equipment on that site.

LL Pelling, based in North Liberty, also has plants in Marion and Coralville.

Staffing at the Cedar Rapids facility will remain the same, Finnegan said, adding the company added seven full-time, seasonal workers in May to handle recycling capabilities.